Happy Derby!!! I had a great Thurby and am headed back today for Oaks. Instead of our normal edition, we have a special treat for you — the ultimate collection of tips from locals. Thanks to everyone who contributed!

Shout-out 📣 to my friends, Jennifer & James Ball, who own Take Charge Milady (post position 10) running in the Oaks today. Best of luck to them!

Here’s Derby Cheatcodes: Trackside & Table side Wisdom from Louisville Insiders — a curated collection of the best, time-tested tips for making the most of Derby Week. These are the real cheatcodes: shortcuts, hacks, and hard-won wisdom locals actually use to do Derby right, whether they’re at Churchill Downs or celebrating from home.

The guide is organized into eight key sections: Transportation & Logistics, Betting Strategies, Attire & Comfort, Food & Drink Tips (Track + At Home), Party Hosting Tips, Health & Safety, General Tips, and Mistakes to Avoid. It’s everything you need to have your smoothest, most fun, and most local Derby Week yet.

Be sure to take our poll at the bottom of the guide!

-Todd

🛣️ Transportation & Logistics

How to get there without the chaos.

• Arrange Drop-offs: Hire a college student or retired neighbor to drive you — it's cheaper and bypasses parking chaos.
  

• Avoid Rideshare Gridlock: After 2 PM, rideshare pickup near Churchill is a nightmare. Walk a mile out to quieter pickup zones. (Note: This worked for us yesterday with a minor wait time.)
  

• Comfortable Footwear: Bring backup flip-flops or wear comfortable shoes — you’ll walk miles on gravel, pavement, and likely soggy grass.
  

• Park Smart: Park in Shively or off Taylor Blvd. It’s a 15–20 min walk, but you’ll escape post-race traffic faster.
  

• Church Lots > Street Parking: Local churches often offer cheaper, safer parking with easier exits.
  

• After the Derby: Head to a nearby neighborhood and hang while traffic clears out.  - Todd Lanham
  

• Bring Cash: It’s handy for grabbing drinks from vendors on your walk in or out.

🗓️ Presented by: Volare Italian Ristorante

My best Derby week dinner was a few years ago at Volare on Frankfort Avenue. I still remember that Tomahawk steak! 🥩 

If you don’t already have reservations, you missed out on Volare this weekend, but be sure to call 502-894-4446 or click here to book your next great meal.

Smarter wagers, less stress, bigger wins.

Note: consult your financial advisor, physician, 6th grade teacher and any other professional because these ideas are not advice you should take! 🙂

• Cheat Sheet Ready: Prep your picks before you go. Saves time and sharpens your bets. = Nick J.
  

• Exacta Boxes: Bet 3-horse exacta boxes ($6) — high drama, low cost. - Jason
  

• Trifecta Key Box: $1 trifecta key box with the morning line favorite has hit 9 of the last 12 years. Avg payout: $4,444.26. - Jason Hahn
  

• Use Betting Apps: Load Twin Spires before you arrive. Bet in line, skip the windows.
  

• Simple Bets When Drinking: Stick to win/place/show if you’re on the bourbon. - Tammy Cissell
  

• Stay in the Middle:  Go across on mid odds horses (8-1 to 15-1). Hits often enough to keep me in the game.  -Tommy Wallace
  

• Longest Shot Pool: At home or with friends, each person picks a long shot — highest winning odds takes the pot.
  

• Place Bets Early: Don’t wait. Lines get insane before Race 10+.  

• Bet $2 on the Longshot to win on the last race you plan on watching before you leave the track. - Steven Von Gerlachter
  

• Know the Hot Posts: -Nate Littles
  
  

  • Post 5: 10.5% win rate
    

  • Post 10: 29.5% in-the-money
    

  • Post 8 & 10: Strongest in history
    

  • Post 20: 10.5% win rate
    

• Pro Tips App: Use apps with live performance stats for value bets. - Holly Prather
  

• Don’t Overbet the Derby Race: With 20 horses and lots of volatility, smart bettors make their money in earlier races.
  

• Spread the risk: Ever wanted to place a big Pick 5 or Superfecta but didn’t want all the risk? Now you can team up with friends and split the bet with Twin Spires’ Bet Share. - Lance Mann
  

• Rookie Handicap Method: Bet the horse whose name sounds best with the phrase “between the sheets.” Even if you lose, you’ll laugh. — Paul Rogers
  

• Definitely Bet on the TwinSpires App: Don’t waste time in lines unless it’s your first time at the track.

👒 Attire & Comfort

Look great. Stay dry. Save your feet.

• Compliment the Hats: It's Derby code. Acknowledge the effort — especially from the women. - Chris Weidmar
  

• Real Shoes Only: No stilettos. Track terrain will shred your feet by Race 5.
  

• Rain Prep: Bring a poncho, not an umbrella — umbrellas block views and aren’t allowed in many sections. - Dawn Cooper
  

• Weather Layers: Carry a hoodie or light jacket — the temp swings fast in May. (Note: thankfully not for 2025!)
  

• Foot Care: Powder your feet before leaving and pack blister bandages.
  

• Ladies: Walk in with throw-away flip-flops and switch to your fancy shoes inside. Toss the flops once you’re settled. - Brian Houp
  

• Avoid Giant Hats: They get in the way. Fascinators are easier and more comfortable.
  

• Use a Clear Poncho: Protect your outfit (and your hat) without hiding your look. - Tiffany K.
  

• Avoid Silk: If rain is in the forecast — it will stain or get ruined.
  

• Bring a Clear 12x12 Stadium Bag: In addition to your purse. Throw in a poncho and flip-flops. Leave it at your seat — if someone steals it, no biggie. Great for Derby glasses. — Rosa Logan
  

• If It’s Overcast, Bring Sunglasses: Kentucky’s weather is a fickle b***h. — Todd Johnson

🍽️ 🥃 Food & Drink Tips (Track + At Home)

What to eat, drink, and serve right.

• Eat Before Churchill: Track food is overpriced and forgettable. Brunch before you go.

• Plastic Flask Hack: Mint juleps are $38. Bring your own (plastic) flask and mixer.

• Chicken Tenders: If you're stuck on 1st or 3rd floor of clubhouse — they're not terrible and it’s protein! -Michael F.
  

• Bourbon Slush Recipe:
  

  • 2 cups brewed tea
    

  • 1 cup sugar
    

  • 6 oz lemonade concentrate
    

  • 6 oz orange juice concentrate
    

  • 2 cups bourbon
    

  • 4 cups water
    

  • Freeze overnight. Scoop into cups. Top with Sprite or ginger ale.
    

• Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail:
  

  • 1 oz bourbon
    

  • 1 oz vodka
    

  • 2 oz orange juice
    

  • 2 oz pineapple juice
    

  • Splash of simple syrup
    

  • Shake with ice and serve.
    

• Hot Brown Sliders: King’s Hawaiian rolls + turkey + tomato + bacon + Mornay sauce. Bake at 350°F for 15 mins.
  

• Mini Derby Pies: Use phyllo cups filled with bourbon chocolate pecan filling. Bake at 350°F for 15–20 mins.

🎉 Party Hosting Tips

Entertain like a local, no stress.

• Batch Punches, Not Cocktails: Mix bourbon + rosé + lemonade + soda + fruit. Chill and serve in a punch bowl.
  

• Mini Everything: Derby pies, hot browns, pimento cheese = all finger food. No knives.
  

• Creative Games:
  

  • Name That Horse: Mix real and fake Derby names
    

  • Squares Game: Like Super Bowl squares, but for win/place/show
    

  • Hat Contest: Funny or fabulous
    

  • Rosette Ring Toss: Toss for prizes
    

• Betting Pools:
  

  • Blind Horse Draw
    

  • Place/Show Pool
    

  • Daily Double Challenge
    

• Social Tips:
  

  • Take outfit pics before bourbon spills
    

  • Golden hour (6:30–8 PM) at the paddock = best natural light
    

  • Group shots 30 mins in = peak energy

Presented by: The Royal Room

Louisville’s best event venue for parties and corporate meetings.

⚕️ Health & Safety

Stay hydrated, protected, and Derby-ready.

• Hydrate Early: Derby heat + bourbon = dehydration risk.
  

• Eat Something: Booze on an empty stomach is a rookie move.
  

• Hands-Free Weather Gear: Ponchos > umbrellas. Always.

• Apply Sunscreen: Don’t rely on cloud cover — May sunburns are sneaky.

• Pack Pain Relief: Bring Advil or Tylenol to combat sun, noise, and bourbon. -Karen P.

• Eat Something Salty: Helps you retain hydration and balance out drinks.

• Know Your Limits: Derby is a marathon, not a sprint. -43 people said this 🤣 

🙌 General Tips

Quick wins that make everything easier.

• Be Nice to Everyone: You never know who you’ll meet. Friendships and relationships start at Derby all the time. -Frank S.
  

• Be Open to After-Parties: Some of the best moments happen after the track closes.

• Arrive Stylish, Leave Practical: Pack flats, poncho, and backup plans.
  

• Split Cash Into Small Bills: Speeds up betting, tipping, and beer runs. - Josh J.
  

• Check the Radar, Not Just the Forecast: Hour-by-hour changes are common in Derby weather.

• Bring a pen: Great for betting notes and dive into that program!

❌ Mistakes to Avoid 

Avoid rookie moves. Celebrate like a pro.

• Don’t Rely on Uber After 2 PM: Walk out a mile for pickup.
  

• Don’t Wear Brand-New Shoes.
  

• Don’t Forget Cash: For food/bets or tipping.
  

• Don’t Bet Drunk or Blow Your Bankroll on Early Races.
  

• Don’t Miss The Big Race: The Oaks and Derby race is later than you think! Pace yourself. -Jennifer N.
  

• Don’t Ignore the Weather: May in Kentucky is full chaos. (Note: I rewatched Kevin Harned last night just in case! ⛈️ ☀️ )
  

• Don’t Underestimate How Long It Takes to Exit Churchill.
  

• Don’t Assume Backyard Parties Are Chill: They often go hard. -Mark C.

• Don’t Wear Silk: If rain is even a remote possibility.

🥃 Final Sip

Thanks for reading Derby Cheatcodes: Trackside & Tableside. We hope these tips help you celebrate smarter, smoother, and with a little more local swagger.

Share this guide with friends who need a Derby cheat code of their own — and keep an eye out for next week’s regular edition featuring Louisville’s treasures, talents, and trends you’ll love.

Happy Derby! 🐎 ☀️ 👊 

-Todd

⚡️ Spark Poll

Last week’s poll results: 
Are you planning to go to the track this Derby week?

• Almost Every Day - 0%

• Thurby - 20%

• Oaks - 60%

• Derby - 20%

• Anywhere but the track - 0%